
African Pilot Magazine:
Regulatory

South Africa’s Draft Civil Aviation Policy Aims to Transform the Sector
South Africa’s draft aviation policy proposes major reforms to safety, regulation, and infrastructure—aiming to reshape the sector for long-term competitiveness.

Policy Shortcomings Put SAF Production at Risk
IATA projects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will double to 2 million tonnes in 2025—just 0.7% of global airline fuel needs. High costs and flawed mandates in Europe threaten progress, while India emerges as a key player in global SAF policy.

EU releases updated Air Safety List and announces ban on All Air Carriers Certified in Tanzania and Suriname
The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, banning all air carriers certified in Tanzania and Suriname from operating in the EU due to serious safety oversight deficiencies.

GCAA Celebrates 39 Years of Aviation Excellence and Sets Course for Future Growth
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) celebrates 39 years of progress, outlining major reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and renewed commitments to aviation safety, innovation, and regional leadership in West Africa.

Zambia’s Aviation Chief to Lead AFPP Steering Committee into Strategic Phase IV
Captain Derrick Luembe of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has assumed chairmanship of the African Flight Procedures Programme Steering Committee. The article highlights key decisions from the 11th AFPP meeting, including the launch of Phase IV, focusing on PANS-OPS compliance and aviation safety across Africa.

Policy Shortcomings Put SAF Production at Risk
IATA projects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will double to 2 million tonnes in 2025—just 0.7% of global airline fuel needs. High costs and flawed mandates in Europe threaten progress, while India emerges as a key player in global SAF policy.

EU releases updated Air Safety List and announces ban on All Air Carriers Certified in Tanzania and Suriname
The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, banning all air carriers certified in Tanzania and Suriname from operating in the EU due to serious safety oversight deficiencies.

Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
South Africa’s Transport Department Seeks to Appoint Consultant to Advise Regulating Committee on ACSA and ATNS Tariff Permissions (2026/27–2030/31)
South Africa’s Department of Transport has issued a tender to appoint a consultant to advise the Regulating Committee on tariff permissions for ACSA and ATNS for the 2026/27–2030/31 period, ensuring compliance with aviation regulation and international best practice.
South Africa’s Transport Department Moves to Modernise Aviation Licensing
The South African Department of Transport is seeking a service provider to develop and manage a centralised Aviation Licensing System, aiming to improve efficiency, security, and compliance for domestic and international air services.
Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
UNIDROIT President receives H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola
UNIDROIT President Maria Chiara Malaguti welcomed H.E. Maria de Fátima Jardim, Ambassador of Angola, to discuss Angola’s engagement with UNIDROIT instruments, including the Cape Town Convention and MAC Protocol, and plans for a conference in Luanda to promote legal harmonisation.

Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Safety Take Centre Stage in IATA Updates
The 2025 IATA manuals introduce key updates focusing on digitalisation, sustainability, and safety in aviation. With over 350 changes, these updates impact ground handling, air cargo, and airline operations, ensuring the industry keeps pace with technological advancements, environmental goals, and evolving safety standards.

IATA Releases Updated 2025 Manuals Reflecting Latest Industry Standards for Cargo and Ground Handling Operations
IATA has released the 2025 edition of its industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, incorporating over 350 updates to align with evolving standards, regulations, and technologies. Covering Dangerous Goods, Battery Shipping, Live Animals, and more, these manuals are essential for aviation stakeholders.

Zambia Signs Training Service Agreement with ICAO
The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) has signed a Training Service Agreement with ICAO to enhance compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). This initiative aims to strengthen aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight in Zambia ahead of upcoming ICAO audits.

Unpacking the Recent Amendments to the SA-CATS and How ADS-B Plays a Role in Meeting the Requirements
In early January 2025, the Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, announced significant amendments to the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA-CATS) under the Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act No. 13 of 2009). These amendments, which come into effect on the date of approval by the Director, focus primarily on technical standards related to…
The Namibia Airports Company Makes Positive Returns
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) reported a N$40 million profit in the 2023/2024 financial year, reflecting strong post-COVID-19 recovery. With new airline routes, infrastructure upgrades, and improved aviation safety standards, Namibia’s air transport sector is expanding rapidly.

Mozambique Makes Progress in Improving Safety Standards
Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Authority reports significant progress in improving aviation safety standards, aligning air services agreements with international aviation regulations, and launching a USD 380 million master plan to enhance aviation infrastructure and connectivity.

Malawi Modernising Civil Aviation
Malawi is modernising its civil aviation sector, with the Malawi Civil Aviation Authority assuming regulatory powers and establishing bilateral air services agreements with Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kenya Moves to Strengthen Aviation Security with New Civil Aviation Regulations
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has published a Regulatory Impact Assessment for the proposed Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 2024. The regulations aim to align Kenya’s aviation security framework with international standards and address evolving threats in the sector.